Janet Bechmann

Janet A. Bechmann, 80, of Gerry, NY, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on January 20, 2026. She was born May 21, 1945, in Elgin, IL, to the late Howard O. Wagner and Alice (Spialek) Wagner.

A graduate of Denison University, she moved to Jamestown, NY in 1980 where she worked for many years as a mental health counselor at WCA Hospital before retiring in 2007. Jan shared 22 years with her husband, Dennis R. Bechmann, whom she married on September 23, 2003, and who lovingly held her hand daily.

Jan enjoyed music and singing, spending time with her PEO sisters, and the Church. She was a devoted wife and proud mother who displayed grace and kindness with everyone she met. Beneath her warm smile and generous laugh was remarkable strength, fierce loyalty, and a steadfast dedication to the people she loved.

Surviving are her loving husband Dennis R. Bechmann of Gerry, NY; mother Shirley (Wright) Wagner of Bonita Springs, FL; two sons, Mark (Lane) Whitehead of Nashville, TN, and Michael (Heather) Whitehead of Granville, OH; six grandchildren, Sullivan, Shane, Coleman, Jana Lane, Mary Frances, and Quinn; and three brothers, Robert Wagner of Roanoke, VA, Steve Wagner of Greensborough, NC, and James Wagner of Sherman Oaks, CA.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held in the Summer. Should you care to honor her memory, raise a glass of White Zinfandel and toast the wonderful life that Jan led.